The Sanctum of Kantimati

In the previous five parts of this series, I covered the Raja gopuram, the front side mandapas, and the Mukha mandapam of the Kantimati temple in Tirunelveli. Now, in this sixth part, I will focus on Kantimati, the presiding deity of the temple.

Kantimati, the gorgeous Goddess, defies verbal description with her captivating beauty. Her face radiates benevolence and power; simply gazing upon her countenance can dispel worldly troubles. Immersed in her divine grace, devotees experience a sacred transformation, shielded from the temptations of transgressions. A profound sense of fulfillment prevails in her presence, making all other destinations pale in comparison.

The devotion inspired by Kantimati is so overwhelming that tears of reverence flow ceaselessly, establishing a deep connection with the divine. In her divine presence, devotees find solace, their hearts overflowing with devotion, and their souls purified by the radiant presence of this powerful Goddess.

The divine icon of Kantimati gracefully assumes the tribhanga posture, characterized by three elegant curves. She delicately holds a fragrant flower in her right arm, while her left arm rests gracefully by her side. Words fail to capture the ethereal beauty emanating from the Goddess.

According to legend, Uma Devi playfully closed the eyes of Shiva from behind, and as a result, she was advised to come down to Tirunelveli, a holy place on earth, to absolve her sins. She arrived here and performed 32 types of virtues, followed by rigorous penance. Eventually, Shiva (Nellaiyappar) appeared and married her.

Kantimati, also known by several beautiful names such as Vadivudai, Venuvana Nayaki, and Tirukkamak Kottamudi Nachiyar, is accompanied by the presence of Ganga and Yamuna, who guard the entrance of the sanctum with their makara vahanas (mythical creatures).

The entrance of the long Ardha mandapa has three sculptures of Ganesha and Subramanya-Valli-Devasena.

The Palli Arai (the holy resting place) is situated in the Maha mandapa, facing south. The inner wall of this mandapa displays exquisite bas-relief images of Nataraja, Uma slanting on Nandi, the dancing Ganesha, and Vishnu playing a musical instrument. A remarkable metal icon of Pavai Vilakku, depicting a girl holding an oil lamp, can also be seen here. Additionally, a small image of Nandi is placed facing Kantimati.

Moving towards the front side, we come across the Mani Mandapa, featuring a beautifully designed flower-patterned ceiling and a relief image of Ganesha on its wall. Accessible from both the north and south sides, the mandapa boasts an intricately carved Kerala-style ceiling. The mandapa is supported by two pairs of four pillars, with six pillars adorned with Yazhi sculptures and two serving as musical pillars. The pillars exhibit miniature sculptures of dwarfs, lions, mythical creatures, monkeys, a mother monkey with her child, a graceful lady, and more, positioned under the grand Yazhis. The middle portion of the pillars showcases exquisite carvings depicting a bearded soldier, a lion, a dancing girl, Vishnu, people engaged in combat, Murugan, a Rishi, a dwarf, Ganesha, Purushamriga, a monkey, and others. Just below the roof, the uppermost portion of the mandapa showcases sculptures such as Bhikshatana, Veerabhadra, dancing girls, soldiers with beards, and more.

The entrance to the Maha mandapa, located in the south direction, features a frontside mandapa supported by two broad pillars. These pillars are adorned with carvings depicting battle scenes, dancing scenes, Veerabhadra, Purusha mriga, Sambandha, and other intricate details.

Happy travelling!

This article is Part 6 of the series of articles I write about Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple. 

The other parts of the series can be accessed through the below-listed links.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5